North County dialogue

Letters to the editor on North County subjects, for Nov. 17, 2013

North County dialogue is a place where readers can voice their thoughts on public issues of interest in North County.

Developer does not speak for Escondido

The double-truck, full-color ad that appeared in the U-T’s North County section Nov. 10 pleads for Escondido residents to call their City Council representatives to avoid facing a $100 million judgment that threatens to force Escondido into bankruptcy.

After threatening to wreck the northwest area of Escondido by cramming hundreds of houses in the middle of a quiet and settled neighborhood, Beverly Hill’s speculator Michael Schlesinger filed a $100 million lawsuit against the city, and now claims to want to save Escondido ... from himself.

This is the modern-day equivalent of a protection racket. First, create a threat. Then offer to “protect“ your victim if they will just pay a “small fee.”

Mr. Schlesinger is the threat. He doesn’t live here. Over 9,000 registered Escondido voters who signed the Open Space Initiative do, and they know a scam when they see one. He should stop his self-righteous, sanctimonious and misleading media onslaught and stop pretending to speak for Escondido.

Rick Elkin

Escondido

Ads on initiative failed to give source

There have been two full-page advertisements against Open Space Initiative adopted by the Escondido City Council in August. The first, on Oct. 20, targeting an Escondido homeowners group, and the second, Nov. 10, focusing on the Escondido City Council. I would like to know who or what organization is paying for these “paid political advertisements.”

This lack of disclosure has all of the trademarks of “cyber bullying” with its anonymity and personal attacks against those who disagree with them. The continuation of intentionally misleading statements by undisclosed parties is a cowardly act that defines the person and/or group behind these ads.

Mary Coffey

Escondido

Digital signs would harm Carlsbad

Regarding the Nov. 10 article on the Carlsbad City Council allowing electronic freeway signs for Car Country Carlsbad and the Westfield Carlsbad mall, the city’s Planning Commission had rejected digital signs, calling them ugly and distracting to drivers. So what made the City Council reverse the recommendation?

Money — wealthy car dealers who complained they don’t have enough visibility. They tempted the council members with an estimated increased sales tax of $720,000 a year in exchange for a towering 64-foot sign, continually flashing ads on a 25-foot by 25-foot screen.

The potential income is only speculation. Carlsbad has been well-managed and is not desperate for revenue.

If these signs are erected, car dealers risk the continual irritation of residents who must pass them daily. Additionally, these signs would be permanent reminders of our City Council’s lack of regard for residents’ quality of life.

Bright lights from Car Country Carlsbad already pollute the night sky for north Carlsbad residents near the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and for native fauna. We are convinced residents do not want to mimic the auto mall signs in Escondido, the garish Viejas Casino billboard east of Alpine, or SDSU’s glaring billboard on Interstate 8. Let us hope the Coastal Commission will understand the negative effect of Car County Carlsbad’s proposed sign when it comes before them. Unfortunately the Westfield Mall sign is outside Coastal Commission jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Carlsbad’s City Council needs to decide whom they are serving: residents or a few pernicious businessmen.

Larry and Elizabeth Brown

Carlsbad

Like the sign; dislike ‘Darlene’ the dolphin

As lifelong Carlsbad residents, we’ve seen untold changes in the city. For the most part, we’ve been very proud of our developing city, our rich and resplendent history, and our continued sense of community.

Unfortunately, we balk at this recent proposal regarding the sign at Carlsbad Boulevard and Carlsbad Village Drive. (“Carlsbad’s new archway sign would be historic with a dash of whimsy,” Logan Jenkins, Nov. 3.) We don’t object to the signage welcoming people to the Village, but take umbrage at the cartoon dolphin, “Darlene.” Ours is a city of great beauty, with wonderful sights to see, places to go, and things to do. Having a carnival-like character as our ambassador is tasteless and tawdry. This kitschy cartoon version of the beautiful dolphins that abound in our coastal waters does a disservice to us and to them.

Pat and Karen Kelly

Carlsbad

Districts drawn, now for participation

Given that the impetus for creating voting districts In Escondido has been to further voting opportunity for a select ethnic group, the preliminary voting districts map now published by the Escondido Districting Commission appears, under the circumstances, to be well done.

Four districts have been created, relatively equal in distribution of registered voters. Each district houses one of the existing City Council members. Following an apparent mandate, one of the districts is defined as the city’s central core comprising low-income housing occupied to a large extent by the target ethnic group. Three other districts surround the core.

One has to wonder if these same boundaries would have evolved had ethnicity not been the primary reason for forming them? Also, are the boundaries permanent, or, will they shift as our ethnic population grows? What happens if an entirely different ethnic group claims it is underrepresented in local government?

Those questions aside, the onus now is upon members of the focused ethnic group to become citizens, register to vote and become active in the community. There is no other legitimate way for any of us to participate in governing.

Sid Colquitt

Escondido

Encinitas, Solana out front on environment

As San Diego moves toward a resolution to reduce the use of plastic bags, now is the time for other cities to take note and, hopefully, follow suit.

Besides helping the environment, these policies can save significant taxpayer dollars and reduce litter at our beautiful beaches — a regional asset that attracts visitors from around the world.

It makes sense for Encinitas to follow its neighbor Solana Beach, which has stood firm on its elimination of plastic bags.

Encinitas and San Diego have a chance to do what’s best for the environment and its residents.

Roger Kube

Chairman,

Surfrider Foundation

U-T San Diego encourages community dialogue on important public matters and welcomes letters to the editor. All letters are subject to editing. Letters must include a full name, community of residence and a daytime phone number. The phone number will not be published. The letters should be about 130 words. Writers can appear in print as frequently as once a month. Email your letter on North County subjects to letters@utsandiego.com